Carbon Sequestration Potential of Teak Plantations of Different Agro-Climatic Zones and Age-Gradations of Southern India

Abstract

Carbon sequestration potential of teak plantations in different agro-climatic zones of Southern India, viz. Northern Dry Zone, Northern Transition Zone, and Hilly Zone were studied. Teak plantations belonging to three age gradations viz. 10, 15 and 20 years were considered for the study. Above ground biomass was computed based on volume estimation and wood density after considering three 10 x 10 m plots. Carbon sequestration potential of teak plantations on farmlands differed significantly with respect to agro-climatic zones and age. Teak plantations raised on the farmlands of Northern Transition Zone had significantly higher above ground biomass than that in Northern Dry Zone and Hilly Zone at all the three age-gradations. Consequently, total above ground carbon sequestered was also significantly higher among the teak plantations of the Northern Transition Zone (247.47 t/ ha) than that in Hilly Zone (157.60 t/ha) and NDZ (103.73 t/ha). For obvious reasons total amount of carbon sequestered was significantly higher in 20-year plantations (330.00 t/ha) than in 15-year (108.53 t/ha) and 10-year plantations (70.27 t/ha). Perhaps optimal average annual rainfall of 749 mm and medium black soil in Northern Transition Zone have contributed to the higher biomass in teak. Poor rainfall in Northern Dry Zone (<585 mm) and poor soil conditions (lateritic formations) in Hilly Zone must have contributed to the poorer growth of teak in these zones. key words: Teak, Carbon sequestration, Biomass, Farmlands.